In a post published on Twitter yesterday (11th July), Limkokwing University announced that a PhD student attending the institution has sadly passed away. He was reportedly pursuing a PhD in management.

It is with the deepest regret that we report the demise of Orhions Ewansiha Thomas. Pursuing his PhD in Management, Mr Thomas was an inspired young man. All of us at Limkokwing University wish to express our heartfelt wishes of love and support to all affected. pic.twitter.com/NlheAJu8hy

According to a report by the Malay Mail, the university is believed to have suspended all its classes today and will resume classes on Monday (15th July).

Sending their condolences to those affected by the student’s death, the university wrote,

“It is with the deepest regret that we report the demise of Orhions Ewansiha Thomas. Pursuing his PhD in Management, Mr Thomas was an inspired young man. All of us at Limkokwing University wish to express our heartfelt wishes of love and support to all affected.”

According to Sinar Harian, Mr. Thomas was a Nigerian national who allegedly died while in custody at the Bukit Jalil Immigration Detention Centre after he was arrested during a raid at his apartment in Kepong two weeks ago.

However, while the university confirmed the student’s death, they did not disclose other details surrounding his death. The university was quoted by the daily as saying,

“We confirm Thomas’ death but we do not have any further information at this point.”

According to Free Malaysia Today, a statement was just issued by the Immigration Department confirming the student’s death, but clarified that there was no breach in their standard operating procedures and denied foul play. Mr Thomas was reportedly arrested along with 19 other individuals during a raid at the Desa Aman Puri Apartments in Kepong, Selangor. An excerpt from their statement reads,

“Residents of the apartment had lodged complaints to the immigration about the presence of foreigners and their misbehaviour.”

“The deceased did not give full cooperation during the operation. He tried to run when approached by the immigration officers.”